“Even with winter weather, several regions in our state are facing below-average precipitation,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “To avoid overtaxing our water systems, we must prioritize indoor water conservation. It’s essential that everyone follows state guidance and local water restrictions to ensure our drinking water stays available for everyone.”
Change your water habits
It takes only a shift in mindset to change your water habits.
In the Bathroom
Don’t run the water while you’re brushing your teeth. Wet your toothbrush and then turn the faucet off until you’re ready to rinse.
Don’t run the water while you’re shaving, either. Fill a small glass with water and just rinse your razor as needed
Extra measures during droughts and dry spells
If it takes awhile for your shower to warm up, put a bucket in to catch the water before you get in. Then use that water for house plants, cleaning floors or hand-washing sweaters or delicates.
In the Kitchen
Instead of letting the water run while washing veggies and fruits, just fill a bowl, dunk them in and wipe them dry
Hand-washing the dishes uses more water than a dishwasher. If you do hand-wash, don’t run the water – fill a large bowl, add water and wash your plates and utensils. Then dump the bowl and fill it with clean water to give them a quick rinse.
If you use a dishwasher, wait until it’s full before you run it.
Chill a pitcher or bottle of water in the fridge instead of letting the water run until it gets cold each time you need a drink.
In the laundry room
Wait until you have a full load of laundry. Don’t wash just a pair of jeans or just a couple of shirts.
Set the load setting (small, medium, large) to match the amount of laundry you’re putting in.
The average American family washes about 300 loads of
Our Water Management Act permit defines the following:
Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictionsinclude:
irrigation of lawns via sprinkler or automatic irrigation systems;
filling of swimming pools;
washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks except as necessary to apply surface treatment such as paint, preservatives, stucco, cement or pavement.
No establishing new lawns regardless of the time of year until ban is removed.
PROHIBITED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 9:00 AM AND 5:00 PM
Water uses NOT subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:
for health or safety reasons;
by regulation;
for production of food and fiber;
for the maintenance of livestock; or
to meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation of a golf course as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by a plant nurseries to maintain stock).
This conservation measure will be strictly enforced. Violators will be issued a written warning for the first offense. A second offense will be fined $50.00 and $100 for each subsequent offense.
Please call the office with any questions or concerns…978-346-8407
